Save Money at Your Library! 10 Resources We Give You for Free.

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1. Books

Yes, this is the obvious one. Both of our libraries are chock-full of bestsellers by big names like James Patterson and Kathy Reichs, as well as undiscovered gems by first-time authors and independent presses. Need to do some research? We’ve got tens of thousands of non-fiction titles on everything from fly fishing to decorating your home. Almost every title checks out for three weeks, and if no one else is looking for it, you can renew the books for additional time. Best of all, if we don’t have the book you’re looking for, we can almost always borrow it from another library and have it delivered to either library building for you. How’s that for service?!

But that’s not all! Our library members are also able to access many eBooks and eAudiobooks through the library’s subscription to Overdrive. Read them on a computer, or download them to your portable device. For more information, go here. If you need further assistance, give us a call at 618-452-6238, or stop in.

2. Movies and Television Shows

RedBox and Blockbuster have nothing on us. We’ve got thousands of movies and TV shows available for you to check out. Most of them are DVDs, but we have some VHS tapes and Blu-Ray discs available. Movies and TV shows are available for one week, but like books, if no one is waiting for them you may renew them for additional time. While you may have to wait a bit for the latest releases, we have plenty of other great movies and TV shows to keep you entertained until we have a copy available for you.

3. Wireless Internet Access

Forget Barnes & Noble and Starbucks. We let you use our wireless network at no charge for as long as you’d like. Bring in your laptop or other wireless-enabled device and connect to SixMileWiFi, no password required. On the run? We’ve strengthened our wireless network so all you have to do is pull into one of our parking lots to access it.

4. Internet-enabled Computers

Don’t have a computer? Come use one of ours! We have several internet-enabled PCs available for your use. Just show us your library card or picture ID and we’ll give you an hour of computer time. If it’s a slow day and no one is waiting for a computer when your time is up, you may use the computer until it is needed by another library user.

5. Electronic Research Resources

Sure, Google is free, but contrary to popular belief, not everything can be found through Google! The library subscribes to a wide variety of electronic resources to help you find what you need. Consumer Reports, Ancestry Library Edition (the library version of Ancestry.com), Morningstar Investment Research Center, Price 4 Antiques, NoveListPlus, OmniFile Full Text Select (H.W. Wilson), Science Reference Center, and MasterFILE Premier are just a few of the subscriptions the library makes available to its members.

If you have trouble finding what you need, you can always refer to our…

6. Librarians

Having a hard time finding information on a topic? Just don’t know what to read next? Professional librarians are available to you at the Delmar Avenue library during all open hours. Can’t stop in? Email the reference librarian at reference@smrld.org, or give us a call at (618) 452-6238. We are happy to help you, whatever your question may be.

7. Newspapers and Magazines

The library has every issue of the Granite City Press-Record available. Most issues have been microfilmed at the Delmar Avenue library, but some of the more recent ones are available online through NewsBank or as the newspaper itself. NewsBank also gives us online access to recent issues of the Belleville News Democrat, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, and many other newspapers from around the United States. Or, if you prefer, you can stop by the library to read the latest issue of the Granite City Press-Record, Alton Telegraph, Edwardsville Intelligencer, Belleville News Democrat, St. Louis Post-Dispatch, Chicago Tribune, New York Times, or the Wall Street Journal.

Available to you are also a wide variety of magazines. The Delmar Avenue library carries many titles such as Midwest Living, Rolling Stone, Men’s Journal, GQ, and Good Housekeeping. Some magazines are also available through our online databases Omnifile Full Text Select (H.W. Wilson) and MasterFILE Premier.

8. Genealogy and Local History Resources

The library has a wealth of information on the history of Granite City and the Six Mile area. This includes, but is not limited to, historical city directories, school yearbooks, old newspapers, and several volumes written about the local area. We have also acquired subscriptions to the popular genealogy databases HeritageQuest and Ancestry Library Edition.

9. Auto Repair Manuals

Want to do a repair on your vehicle yourself, but need a little help? You’ve come to the right place! The library has copies of dozens of Mitchell and Chilton auto repair manuals that cover hundreds of different vehicles. Another option is to take advantage of the library subscriptions to Mitchell Manual Online and Chilton Automotive Repair. Download text and images to help get your car running!

10. Programs for the Whole Family

Looking for something to do? Check out our calendar of events and classes! From our children’s storytimes and craft programs, to book clubs and gardening classes for adults, the library has something for everyone. Our programs are always free and rarely require registration. Keep checking the calendar because we add new events all the time!

These are only a handful of the benefits you get when you become a member of the Six Mile Regional Library District. And they’re all totally free! Why are you waiting? If you don’t have a library card, visit us soon, and bring your valid photo ID. If you do have a library card, stop by and learn about all the resources available to you.